Wherever your personal Blue Line takes you during this year’s virtual FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay, Akron Children’s is celebrating heroes of all kinds – from the runners, to the doctors, nurses, donors and our courageous patients – who support the health and well-being of our community.
Take a look back at our heroes from presenting sponsor FirstEnergy’s hero zone throughout the years and find out what they are up to today: bit.ly/3mU9e0z
Drop your favorite Akron Marathon memory in the comments!
#ACHero #RunAkron
SAT, OCT 3 AT 10:00 AM EDT
Free Booster Seat and Health Kit Event
The shirt says it all, Kamryn Logan may have sickle cell disease, but it doesn't have her! The blood disorder showed up on one of Kamryn's newborn screenings, leaving mom Kimisha with questions. "My biggest concern, though, is just making sure she is able to live a complete life as a child," she says. Kimisha's research led her to Akron Children's Hospital, where Kamryn is now part of our sickle cell program until she reaches adulthood.
Read more about Kamryn and how, with the support of her family and clinical team, she is taking on Sickle Cell: bit.ly/340cxug
#SickleCellMatters #SickleCellAwarenessMonth
*Reminder* as we work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19, please be aware that we continue to follow these guidelines for all of Akron Children's Hospital’s outpatient facilities to keep everyone safe. Additionally, we ask that visitors age 2 and older who are able wear a mask at all Akron Children’s locations.
For more information about visiting Akron Children's, visit: bit.ly/3bVgPp7
#InThisTogetherAkronChildrens
Cody Shearrow knows the halls of Akron Children's well. Not only does he walk the halls as a nurse in the Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, but the recent nursing grad was once a patient here. Cody went through treatment for Leukemia in the same hospital where he now works. As a nurse in the cancer center, he shares his journey with others who are on a similar path.
“I hope my story offers a sense of hope,” said Cody. “Every case is different, as is every patient, but it’s okay for parents - and kids - to hang onto hope and trust fully in the health care workers at Akron Children’s.”
Read more on Cody and how he went from being a patient to providing care: bit.ly/2ROpZMd
#childhoodcancer #childhoodcancerawareness #childhoodcancerawarenessmonth #pediatriccancer
As the Virtual FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay gets ready to kick off its virtual races, Akron Children’s is placing a spotlight on past heroes who have helped bring spirit and inspiration to the race route since “hero zones” debuted at the race in 2016.
The Akron Children’s Women’s Board has hosted numerous heroes at its zone over the years, and we’re proud that the heroes continue to thrive and inspire others as friends, students and, of course, as Akron Children’s patients. Read more: bit.ly/2FR7IeG
#ACHero #RunAkron #Akron
Raising kids is one of the most challenging and fulfilling jobs in the world, yet as any parent knows, it doesn’t come with a playbook. One of the ways Akron Children's is here for those navigating parenthood is the Nurturing Families Program, designed to provide families with the skills needed to make good, healthy lifestyle choices. New mom Taneisha Bratcher wanted to be the best parent she could be and joined the program. Learn more about Taneisha and how she and her son benefited from the program.
INSIDE.AKRONCHILDRENS.ORG
Nurturing Families Program helps new mom ‘Be the best mom I can be’:Inside Children's Blog
It's no secret that online learning has presented its own set of challenges this school year. Students are dealing with a new anxiety brought on by video calls, such as having to worry about what their classmates think of their background, or unable to see their classmates are giving them supporting smiles or nods as they present due to display settings. Dr. Jessica Foster, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, weighs in.
HUFFPOST.COM
How To Help Shy And Introverted Kids With Remote Learning
Is COVID-19 making the Halloween season feel extra spooky and scary? No need for fright--there are fun ways to safely celebrate the season. Check out our handy Halloween risk chart to help you figure out your fall plans. 🎃
As the weather gets chillier, and the days get shorter, flu season is on the horizon. Protect your family by vaccinating everyone 6 months and older. Akron Children's provides a variety of times and locations to help get your children in and out and ready to take on the season. For more information, please visit: bit.ly/fluach20
At Akron Children's Hospital, we have 3 promises:
-To treat every child as we would our own
-To treat others as they would like to be treated
-To turn no child away for any reason
As we celebrate #PediatricNursesWeek, we want to recognize our nursing staff who live our promises each and every day.
Help us lift up our nurses! Give them a shout out or share a favorite memory in the comments.
Happy #WorldCerebralPalsyDay! Cerebral palsy (CP) affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills. In Michael Robertson’s case, his cerebral palsy is managed by receiving PT and OT and wears an AFO brace on his right foot and ankle. Michael, a triplet born at only 29 weeks, coincidentally went for his 6 month check-up for the condition today with Dr. Najarian, who also has CP. To recognize the day, Michael brought in cookies to share with his doctor.
Notice that Michael is wearing green for #CerebralPalsy. Did you wear your green today? Drop a selfie in the comments!
Valentine’s Day 2021 may seem like a long way off, but registration for the Valentine Project is now OPEN.
The Valentine Project❤ was founded by siblings Gregory and Michaela Margida. They wanted to help bring some cheer to children with chronic illness or cancer who are often isolated from friends, school and normal childhood activities. By registering your child as well as their siblings, participants will receive a package filled with love around Valentine's Day.
If you are a parent of a child with cancer or a chronic illness, sign up here: https://thevalentineproject.org/register-a-child/
INSIDE.AKRONCHILDRENS.ORG
Registration now open for The Valentine Project, now in its 11th year:Inside Children's Blog
One of the best ways to stop the spread of #COVID19 is masking properly. 😷 It is important to avoid these 5 common mistakes. Do your part to protect those around you and mask up!
Share a mask selfie in the comments!
#InThisTogetherAkronChildrens #MasksOn #MasksOnOhio
Jaxon Britton is only turning 2 next month, but he has faced more challenges than most see in their lifetime. Jaxon was diagnosed in utero with a rare genetic mutation that has a less-than-1% chance of survival. After he was born, the Britton family faced more trials, including lung problems, surgery, and more. Despite all of these hurdles, Jaxon is doing great and able to face his medical issues head on and close to home at Akron Children's Health Center in New Philadelphia.
Read more about Jaxon's journey: bit.ly/3ohU71w
Kids are curious and like to explore. With many of them spending more time at home, kids are more likely to get their hands on your medications. The best way to protect children from unintentional poisoning is to make sure all your medicines are put up and away, out of your children’s sight and reach.
Need to get rid of old medications safely? Locate your local prescription drug collection site: https://bit.ly/3jpRerU
#TakeBackDay
Do you have your plans for Halloween week? Use our handy chart to make sure your celebrations are fun and safe! How are you celebrating this year? 🎃
As people get ready to vote in the upcoming election, we reflect on Akron Children’s mission to improve the health of all children by delivering care, training pediatric providers, conducting research, and advocating for policies that promote children’s health and well-being.
“As pediatric providers, we represent those who can’t vote. Children have no political clout, and only we can be their voice,” says Dr. Jeff Kempf , retired director of Akron Children’s global health program and emergency medicine physician.
Now is the time to speak up for children because their health and future depend on us. Read on for more information on the importance of civic engagement. 🇺🇸
INSIDE.AKRONCHILDRENS.ORG
Importance of civic engagement, using our voices and votes to speak up for children:Inside Children's Blog
In October of 2019, the Akron Beacon Journal introduced our patient, David Detwiler, and his miraculous story. Betty Lin-Fisher, Akron Beacon Journal followed up with the family and updated David's story, which continues to inspire many.
"David is here for a bigger thing. He’s here to teach people things. He’s here to show people that you can get through things," David's mother, Carlla Detwiler, said.
BEACONJOURNAL.COM
Baby David's giant battle: Family thankful for son who faces more hurdles
Congratulations to the Archbishop Hoban High School Football team for winning the Division II Ohio High School Athletic Association state championship this past weekend! This is the team’s 5th state football championship in 6 years! Thank you to Dr. Joe Congeni and the Akron Children’s sports medicine team who helped keep players safe and healthy all season.
“Although the medical conditions of the pandemic were not ideal, most everyone just accepted it, was aware of it and lived by it. The athletic training staff that works with the student-athletes helped guide these young people through step-by-step, and it required tremendous discipline and awareness to keep everyone safe from an infection standpoint, as well as treating the typical musculoskeletal injuries. I would say that it was quite rewarding for the entire Hoban Family and the Akron Children’s Sports Medicine staff, headed by lead trainer Josh Darling, to persevere on the field as well as in the community.”
-Dr. Congeni, Sports Medicine Director
WED, DEC 9 AT 1:30 PM EST
Safe Sleep Drive Thru
Born at just 26 weeks old and 1 lb. 12 oz., tiny Nehemiah let his mom know he was going to be okay.
“He came out crying so I knew he was going to be something special,” said Leslie, Nehemiah’s mom.
Leslie was right. Born with a brain bleed and a hole in his heart, Nehemiah faced seizures and a cerebral palsy diagnosis during his stay in the NICU. Today, 13-year-old Nehemiah continues to work hard, both in therapy and in the classroom. From day 1, he battled his health but he has pushed through surgery, casting, physical therapy, and more. Read more on Nehemiah's story and how he went from intensive care to planning for high school and college: bit.ly/2KkuJZr
#CPWarrior #CerebralPalsy #NICU
For those of you who traditionally travel and gather for celebrations with family and friends during this time of year, consider changing those plans. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. If you do choose to travel, always wear a mask while around anyone who you do not live with. For more info on celebrating the season during the pandemic, visit: bit.ly/3lueO8w
#MasksOn #MasksOnOhio #MaskUp
This week recognizes Congenital Heart Defects Awareness. Addisyn Piekarski, age 4, came to her post-surgical appointment with heart surgeon, Dr. Robert Stewart, just 8 days after her latest open heart surgery. She had her first heart surgery when she was only 3 months old after being diagnosed with a congenital defect called Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD). Addisyn’s doctors thought she would need a valve replacement once she started to get older and grow. In November 2020, she met with Dr. Stewart who felt confident he could repair the valve instead of replacing it. After a successful surgery, Addisyn is back to her spunky self and enjoying time with her family.
Read more about Addisyn’s strong heart and quick recovery.
#CHDAwarenessWeek #CHDAware
INSIDE.AKRONCHILDRENS.ORG
Surgery to repair leaky valve mends 4-year-old’s “broken” heart:Inside Children's Blog
Mark is a retired firefighter who has been going to Burn Camp's Fire Truck Day since 1991. That special day gave him the opportunity to see children after they had recovered from severe burns and were no longer bandaged or in pain. Mark has learned a lot from burn survivors because he knows how much they have overcome and how hard they work to recover. He is looking forward to when Fire Truck Day is safe again so he is able to reunite and celebrate with his “heroes.”
#BlackHistoryMonth #ACHMoreThanAJob
Our Doggie Brigade is ready for the big game! No, not the one in Tampa, we are talking Puppy Bowl!
Currently, our Doggie Brigade and other volunteers remain safely at home during the COVID-19 pandemic and we miss them! To keep our Doggie Brigade, sponsored by Milk-Bone, connected with the hospital, we have been able to do virtual visits that brighten the day of patients and staff. No wonder these pooches are so good with technology. 😉🐾
Give a shout out to your favorite Doggie Brigade member in the comments. 🐶
Nothing like curling up with a good book when it's cold outside! Our NICU babies are sure enjoying our first annual NICU Read-a-thon event. The event runs February 1-14 and promotes early literacy and development for the babies. Through the generosity of donors, each baby in our Akron NICU will receive 10-12 new books. Parents keep track of their reading time and once they reach 300 minutes of reading, they are entered to receive one of our prize bags.
What are your kids currently reading?
From the time you enter Akron Children’s until the time you leave the parking garage, we understand how much kindness matters. Parking garage attendant Ed Galloway was recently recognized for his pleasant interaction with one family as they left the hospital after a stressful appointment. The family noted that he ended their hospital visit on a positive note- and with that smile, we can all see why.
The 2021 98.1 KDD Radiothon is next week! Even though this year's event is virtual, you'll still hear incredibly inspiring patient stories throughout the two-day event - stories like Josh's.
Josh was born with two clubbed feet and in the first several months of his life underwent a series of castings and bracing to gently correct the position of his feet. Now 10 years old, Josh has also undergone multiple surgeries to improve his walking - but he hasn't let that slow him down.
Read more of Josh's story and tune in to 98.1 FM on February 11 and 12 from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. #KDDRadiothon
INSIDE.AKRONCHILDRENS.ORG
Josh’s winning spirit:Inside Children's Blog
